Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Baked Mostaccioli is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, it creates a deliciously balanced meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 16 oz mostaccioli pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4–5 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the mostaccioli pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease and transfer sausage to a plate.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped green bell pepper and onion until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sausage, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, then mix gently until well combined.
6. Step 6: Top the mixture evenly with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat while keeping creaminess.
• Mix in cooked spinach or zucchini for extra vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. For longer storage, freeze the baked mostaccioli for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or ziti can be used as a substitute for mostaccioli with similar results.

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the pasta mixture and assemble it in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

Healthy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 144 reviews

This Healthy Baked Mostaccioli recipe combines hearty Italian sausage, tender mostaccioli pasta, and a medley of sautéed vegetables, all baked in a rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a comforting yet wholesome dinner option, this dish balances satisfying flavors and nutritious ingredients for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Sauce

• 16 oz mostaccioli pasta
• 4–5 cups marinara sauce
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
2. Cook the pasta: Boil the mostaccioli pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente texture, then drain well and set aside.
3. Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and transfer the sausage to a plate.
4. Sauté vegetables: Using the same skillet, cook the chopped green bell pepper and onion until they become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Combine ingredients: In a large baking dish, mix together the cooked pasta, browned sausage, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then gently toss to combine everything evenly.
6. Add the cheese topping: Spread shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture in the baking dish.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has a light golden color.
8. Rest and garnish: Let the baked mostaccioli rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

• For a leaner dish, use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian pork sausage.
• Vegetarian variation: omit the sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Use low-fat cheeses to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Make sure to not overcook the pasta initially; it will continue cooking in the oven to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Keywords: baked mostaccioli, Italian sausage pasta bake, healthy pasta casserole, baked pasta recipe, easy dinner, Italian comfort food